Emulate PTDF compliance with federal character balance, commissioner urges MDAs
A member representing Enugu State in the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Peter Ogbonna Eze, yesterday urged the other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to emulate the Petroleum Technology Development
A member representing Enugu State in the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Peter Ogbonna Eze, yesterday urged the other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to emulate the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) that has always complied with the Federal Character principles to balance its selection of applicants for its Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS).
He described the PTDF scholarship as fantastic because of the high level of participation of the South East in the exercise.
Eze, who was addressing reporters in Abuja, said, "The scheme is very good. The scheme has benefited a lot of people. For them to show this kind of high turnout, it shows that PTDF is doing a very good job.
"And we should also encourage others, not only scholarship schemes or anything, but like NELFUND, they should do more to also attract Southeast to participate more."
He revealed that the infrastructure drive of Governor Peter Mbah is beginning to reflect at the grassroots, with a 2.5-kilometre road project connecting three rural communities in Enugu State nearing completion.
He said the project was inspired by the governor’s aggressive investment in infrastructure across the state.
Eze, who also chairs the commission’s committee on Works, Transport and Aviation, explained that the road links Aji, Isiugwu, and Ufodo communities in Igboeze North Local Government Area to link neighbouring Kogi state, and is expected to improve access to farms, schools, and businesses.
He noted that the project aligns with the administration’s broader focus on roads, education, and healthcare, adding that Mbah’s emphasis on infrastructure has set a standard that public office holders are now compelled to emulate.
“The governor has shown clear commitment to development, especially in road infrastructure. Those of us at the federal level are taking cues from that vision to support our communities,” he said.
According to him, work on the road is already at an advanced stage, with the first kilometre nearing completion. Asphalt laying is expected soon, after which the project will move toward commissioning.
The road is also designed with drainage systems to improve durability and address erosion concerns.
Eze clarified that the project is not self-funded but facilitated through government channels, leveraging his office to attract federal intervention to the area.
Residents of the benefiting communities have welcomed the development, describing it as timely given the challenges of poor access roads, particularly for farmers and traders.
He stressed that road infrastructure remains central to economic growth, noting that improved connectivity would enhance livelihoods and unlock development in rural areas.
The project adds to a growing list of infrastructure initiatives tied to Mbah’s administration, which has prioritised road construction as a key pillar of its development strategy in Enugu State.
Eze also commended the scholarship programme of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), describing it as impactful and increasingly inclusive, particularly for the South-East region.
He noted a significant improvement in participation from the zone, saying the high turnout of applicants in recent screenings reflects growing confidence in the scheme and its transparency.
According to him, the increased involvement signals a shift from previous trends where the region recorded lower participation, adding that the development positions the South-East to benefit more from federal opportunities.
On oversight of government institutions, Eze said the commission has intensified engagement with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), warning that non-compliance with federal character principles would attract sanctions, including possible legal action.
